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"He has done everything right in terms of limiting contacts and going into isolation. It is actions like these that will protect our community and save lives."

The fifth confirmed case, a male in his 50s arrived in New Zealand from overseas on March 18. He flew from Auckland to Palmerston North on the same day. He then went to his Horowhenua home to go into isolation with his family.

He encouraged everyone in the MidCentral DHB region to adhere to the requirements imposed by New Zealand's move to an Alert 4 status.

"Please stay at home unless you are travelling for essential reasons. If you do need to leave the house, please remain vigilant by practising social distancing and applying good health etiquette, such as washing hands for 20 seconds and drying them well, sneezing into your arm, and not touching your face. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact the dedicated Healthline number – 0800 358 5453."

To keep patients, whānau and staff safe, amendments have been made to the MidCentral's visitor policy. This means members of the public will be unable to visit patients at Palmerston North Hospital.

In some cases exceptions to this policy will be made on essential and compassionate grounds – for example a parent/guardian who is supporting a child, or a nominated person supporting a terminal patient.